NBA

Knicks rookie takes number intended for LeBron

LAS VEGAS — Landry Fields figured to fly under the radar this season.

But soon Fields, the Knicks’ second-round pick some scouts didn’t think would be selected, will have big bull’s-eye on the chest of his jersey.

Fields, the 39th pick of the draft who has lit up Las Vegas with a solid summer league, has requested to wear No. 6.

Yes, that No. 6 — the number all of metro New York thought LeBron James would have worn in New York before he became LeCon James.

Instead, the number will go to the 6-foot-7 small forward out of Stanford who has played so well in the first three games (averaging 16.3 points and 2.0 steals), the Knicks coaching staff thinks it possible he can be part of the nine-man rotation.

Fields knows the symbolism of his number choice and jokes that even if James signed with the Knicks: “I probably would’ve taken it from LeBron.”

It is a good sign that Fields is up to the challenge of wearing No. 6, knowing he will get some extra attention because of his choice. Fields’ number was “2” at Stanford, but that will go to point guard, and likely captain, Raymond Felton.

Fields’ number in high school was “31.” Add up the three digits of “2” and “31” and, voila, Fields picked six.

“You have to come up with a number somehow,” Fields said.

The Knicks continue summer-league play today vs. Detroit, with temperatures hovering around 110 degrees all week. Fields’ play has made it worth it.

“A very valued pick at 37,” said summer-league coach Dan D’Antoni. “Now he’s on the chart with a bullet. He’s put the bullet by his name by what he’s doing, how he’s playing.”

Of the Knicks’ trio of second-rounders, nobody has come close to Fields. Syracuse’s combo guard Andy Rautins, selected 36th, hasn’t found his shooting touch, averaging 5.6 points, and looks to be pressing. Center Jerome Jordan (No. 42) is a project. D’Antoni said he expects all three second-rounders to make the team.

“Unusual but we went into the draft with only five guys,” D’Antoni said.

While league scouts were stunned Fields was taken as high as 37, figuring he had minimum upside, the Knicks never wavered. In the war room, according to a source, there was no debate when they came to bat after their first-round favorites were off the board. Not a single voice of dissension lobbying for someone else, with Lincoln’s Lance Stephenson on the board. The Knicks believed there was too much clutter surrounding Stephenson that seemed questionable.

“I didn’t know much about him,” coach Mike D’Antoni said. “But he’s played really, really well. There’s another level. He could still look good in preseason and it’s another level after that. But there’s hope.”

If Fields turns into the steal of the second round, the Knicks will have another trade pawn and also be more apt to deal forward Wilson Chandler, whose contract the Knicks may have to move to get a full maximum under the 2011 salary cap.

Nothing sticks out about Fields’ game. He’s a good enough shooter (led the Pac-10 in scoring), an alert defender, rebounder and smart fundamentally. “That’s the word, my game is mostly versatility,” Fields said. “There’s a lot of things I can do. That serves me well.”

Regarding the predictions he’d go undrafted, Fields said, “It definitely helps you play with a little more of an edge.”

“He does everything exceptionally, but he does it in a way where it doesn’t look spectacular,” assistant coach Dan D’Antoni said. “There’s no flash. But it is special what he’s doing.”

And certainly he will don a special number 6.

marc.berman@nypost.com